Cornwall is famous for its glorious gardens - find open gardens to visit with your dogs.
Cornwall is famed for its fantastic gardens thanks in part to a history of green-fingered expertise – it was the first place in the UK to grow the Monkey Puzzle Tree – so where are dogs welcome?
For a fantastic day out and a chance to see some top sculpture head to Tremenheere (tremenheere.co.uk) near Penzance which welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads to its the gardens, and there is plenty of outdoor seating for eating.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan: These magnificent gardens near St Austell are keen to attract well-behaved dogs on leads at all times of the year – and even have a great dog-cam video Dogs love Heligan’ on their website heligan.com.
The National Trust properties in Cornwall don’t generally allow dogs into their buildings or formal gardens, but many boast great walks for dogs in their greater estates: Lanhydrock welcomes dogs on leads on its estates and has created guided dog walks; Godolphin also welcomes dogs on leads as does Cotehele. Trelissick Garden features wide open parkland and a beach at the bottom of the hill! Plenty of opportunity for a good, long doggy run. Also very popular with local dog walkers, a great place for you and your dog to socialise. Head to nationaltrust.org.uk for more.
Trengwainton, Madron, near Penzance welcomes dogs on leads everywhere, including the tea-room garden. You can even collect your free biodegradable poo bag from reception!
Trebah Gardens (trebahgarden.co.uk) near Falmouth has a great reputation for being dog-friendly not only in the gardens but in its picnic area and Planters Café where a dog table for dog-lovers has been set up.
Since a pilot pooch project in 2013, the Eden Project (edenproject.com) has been welcoming dogs every day to its too often overlooked outdoor gardens with no extra charge. There are also water bowls and an undercover dining area.
The National Garden Scheme which opens private and public gardens for charity each year estimates around 70 per cent of its open gardens are dog-friendly.
This month pooches and their owners can head to Cosawes Barton 12 September (2-5pm). Find out more at ngs.org.uk.
